Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Definition:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses a special chamber, sometimes called a pressure chamber, to allow a patient to breathe 100% oxygen while the pressure in the chamber is higher than one atmosphere absolute (atm abs). The most recent studies indicate that the pressure is most effective when it is at least 1.4 atm abs.

Some of the conditions that use hyperbaric therapy are:

  • gas gangrene
  • decompression sickness (the bends)
  • smoke inhalation
  • air or gas embolism
  • carbon monoxide poisoning
  • wound healing
  • necrotizing soft tissue infections
  • osteomyelitis
  • radiation injuries
  • skin grafts and flaps
  • burns
  • crush injuries



Review Date: 2/25/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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